Tonia Weitzenkamp
Dodge Center,MN
Summary
With over 30 years of experience in nursing as both an LPN and an RN, I bring enthusiasm and a strong work ethic to contribute to team success. Attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and dedication to exceptional care have been instrumental in providing quality service. Extensive experience in handling dementia and other geriatric-related conditions allows for compassionate and specialized care. Highly motivated to continue learning and growing in the field of nursing, constantly seeking opportunities for professional development.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Infection Preventionist/Staff Development
Volunteers of America
Rochester, MN
10.2023 - 10.2024
- Served as a liaison between departments to facilitate communication regarding best practices in infection prevention and control.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams for effective infection prevention strategies and policy development.
- Facilitated ongoing risk assessments for healthcare-associated infections by identifying potential vulnerabilities in current practices or systems and recommending strategies to address these concerns.
- Developed targeted educational materials to raise awareness among patients, families, and visitors about the importance of infection prevention measures.
- Gathered and submitted data to regulatory agencies for mandatory report infections such as COVID 19.
- Investigated outbreaks and revamped control measures to prevent future incidents.
- Supported quality improvement initiatives by analyzing data trends over time to identify areas for potential enhancements in infection prevention efforts.
- Educated staff about importance of using measures to prevent spread of flu and gastroenteritis.
Nurse Manager/Director of Clinical Services
Benedictine Living Community
Owatonna, MN
08.2022 - 10.2023
- Onboarded new employees with training and new hire documentation.
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
Director of Nursing
Field Crest Care Center
01.2018 - 05.2022
- Evaluated work performance of 40-50 nursing personnel to determine wage increases and implement discipline.
- Participated in daily management team meetings to discuss resident status, census changes and resident complaints or concerns.
- Prepared and reviewed infection control surveillance reports to identify trends and develop effective actions to control and prevent infections.
- Established new policies and updated existing policies to improve standard of care for patients.
- Established and monitored infection control programs to provide safe, sanitary environment to prevent transmission of disease and infection.
- Developed and updated policies and procedures, maintaining compliance with statutory, regulatory and local, state and federal guidelines relating to HIPAA, benefits administration and general liability.
MDS Coordinator
Volunteers Of America
06.2018 - 12.2018
- Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies
- Scheduled MDS for residents in accordance with current Medicare guidelines.
- Coordinated with IDT the completion of the MDS for to assure care planning that meets resident needs
- Educated staff on accuracy of coding data
- Communicated with IDT documentation needed to assure insurance coverage for residents and appropriate payment
- Gathered documentation of care needed for insurance payment to facility.
Director of Nursing
Fairview Care Center
05.2016 - 06.2018
- Identified department issues to recommend corrective actions.
- Participated in daily management team meetings to discuss resident status, census changes and resident complaints or concerns.
- Prepared and reviewed infection control surveillance reports to identify trends and develop effective actions to control and prevent infections.
- Established new policies and updated existing policies to improve standard of care for patients.
- Established and monitored infection control programs to provide safe, sanitary environment to prevent transmission of disease and infection.
- Performed rounds to observe care and interview staff, residents and families.
- Generated and reviewed incident reports, including employee write-ups, actualizing appropriate corrective action plans to mitigate ongoing and potential situations.
- Developed and updated policies and procedures, maintaining compliance with statutory, regulatory and local, state and federal guidelines relating to HIPAA, benefits administration and general liability.
- Organized and facilitated daily department head meetings weekly, discussing current census, admissions and discharges and residents' Medicaid applications.
- Direct day-to-day administrative and operational functions for 55-bed facility, providing guidance and leadership to over 50 employees.
Clinical Nurse Manager
Fairview Care Center
05.2009 - 08.2014
- Advocated for patients' physical, psychosocial, developmental, spiritual and emotional needs during planning.
- Reviewed charts weekly to complete quality control checks.
- Collaborated with physicians and interdisciplinary teams to devise and manage individualized plans of care.
- Initiated care plan and actualized appropriate interventions and treatment, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological medications.
- Introduced initiatives based on staff education, infection control audits, safe medication administration and proper wound care to achieve unit and facility goals.
- Educated patients and families on treatment, expected outcomes and discharge instructions, serving as advisory resource to patients and families to facilitate recovery.
- Sought opportunities to improve patient care, outcomes and nursing staff performance.
- Performed head-to-toe physical assessments, prioritizing treatment and delegating assignments to maintain patient flows.
- Conducted rounds with physicians, advising physicians on patients' conditions and assisting in coordinating diagnostic testing and follow up appointments to achieve optimal patient outcomes.
RN
Charter House
Rochester, MN
10.2024 - Current
- Administered medications accurately and safely, reducing medication errors and adverse reactions.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction through effective communication, empathy, and timely response to their needs.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process, and management and lifestyle options.
Education
Associate of Arts - Nursing
Rochester Community And Technical College
Rochester, MNDiploma LPN - Nursing
St. Mary's School of Practical Nursing
Rochester, MNSkills
- Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration
- Patient Care
- Scheduling
- HIPAA Compliance
- Staff Management
- Dementia Knowledge
- Staff Education
- Infection Control
- Long-Term Care
- Recruiting and Hiring
Timeline
RN
Charter House
10.2024 - Current
Infection Preventionist/Staff Development
Volunteers of America
10.2023 - 10.2024
Nurse Manager/Director of Clinical Services
Benedictine Living Community
08.2022 - 10.2023
MDS Coordinator
Volunteers Of America
06.2018 - 12.2018
Director of Nursing
Field Crest Care Center
01.2018 - 05.2022
Director of Nursing
Fairview Care Center
05.2016 - 06.2018
Clinical Nurse Manager
Fairview Care Center
05.2009 - 08.2014
Associate of Arts - Nursing
Rochester Community And Technical College
Diploma LPN - Nursing
St. Mary's School of Practical Nursing